Is the double bottom pattern of the Williams indicator an oversold rebound or a downward relay?

The Williams %R double bottom near -80 may signal a bullish reversal if confirmed by divergence, volume, and a rise above -50, distinguishing it from a downward relay.

Jul 30, 2025 at 01:36 am

Understanding the Williams %R Indicator and Its Role in Technical Analysis

The Williams %R indicator, developed by Larry Williams, is a momentum oscillator that measures overbought and oversold levels in the price of an asset. It operates on a scale from 0 to -100, where readings above -20 typically indicate overbought conditions, while values below -80 suggest oversold conditions. Traders use this tool to identify potential reversal points in price trends. The double bottom pattern within the Williams %R is a specific formation that occurs when the oscillator forms two distinct lows near or below the -80 threshold, separated by a moderate rebound. This configuration raises a critical question: does it signal a genuine oversold rebound, implying a bullish reversal, or is it merely a downward relay, indicating a temporary pause before the downtrend resumes?

Formation of the Double Bottom Pattern in Williams %R

The double bottom pattern in the Williams %R emerges when the oscillator dips below -80, rises toward -50 or higher, and then falls back close to the -80 level again before potentially turning upward. This formation mirrors the price action double bottom but is derived from momentum rather than price. Key elements include:

• The first low must reach or exceed -80 to confirm oversold status.
• A recovery phase where the indicator moves above -50, showing some bullish momentum.
• A second dip that ideally does not fall significantly below the first low, suggesting weakening bearish pressure.
• A subsequent rise above -50 may confirm bullish momentum reassertion.

When this pattern appears during a prolonged downtrend, traders assess whether the underlying momentum is shifting. The proximity of both lows to the -80 level reinforces the idea that selling pressure has been intense but may be exhausting.

Differentiating Between Oversold Rebound and Downward Relay

To determine whether the double bottom in Williams %R indicates a sustainable oversold rebound or a downward relay, traders must analyze supporting factors. A true oversold rebound is supported by:

• Bullish divergence between price and the Williams %R, where price makes a lower low but the oscillator forms a higher second low.
• Increasing volume on the rebound phase, confirming buyer participation.
• Alignment with other indicators such as RSI or MACD showing similar reversal signals.

In contrast, a downward relay is suggested when:

• The second low in the Williams %R is lower than the first, indicating intensifying bearish momentum.
• Price fails to break above a key resistance level after the rebound.
• Other momentum indicators remain in bearish territory or show no confirmation.

The critical distinction lies in whether the pattern reflects momentum exhaustion or merely a consolidation within a bear trend.

Step-by-Step Confirmation Strategy for the Double Bottom Pattern

Traders can apply a structured approach to validate the significance of the double bottom in Williams %R:

• Observe the timing and depth of both lows: Ensure both readings are near or below -80, with the second low not substantially deeper than the first.
• Check for bullish divergence on the price chart: Compare the price lows with the oscillator lows. If price records a lower low but Williams %R shows a higher second low, this divergence supports a reversal.
• Monitor the rebound above -50: A move above -50 confirms short-term bullish momentum. Wait for this cross to avoid premature entries.
• Validate with volume and candlestick patterns: Look for strong bullish candles (e.g., engulfing patterns) and rising volume during the rebound phase.
• Cross-check with moving averages: If the price is approaching a major support level, such as the 200-day moving average, the likelihood of a bounce increases.
• Use additional oscillators for confirmation: Check if the RSI exits oversold territory or if the MACD histogram begins to rise.

Each of these steps helps filter out false signals and increases confidence in the interpretation.

Practical Example Using a Cryptocurrency Chart

Consider a scenario involving Bitcoin (BTC) during a sharp correction phase. Over a two-week period, BTC drops from $45,000 to $38,000. During this decline, the Williams %R reaches -85, rebounds to -40, then dips again to -82 before rising steadily. At the same time, BTC forms a double bottom on the price chart near $37,800. The Williams %R shows a higher second low despite the price making a slightly lower low—this is bullish divergence. Volume increases as the price moves above $40,000, and the RSI crosses above 50. These factors collectively suggest an oversold rebound rather than a downward relay. Conversely, if the second dip in Williams %R had reached -90 and price continued to make lower lows without volume support, the pattern would lean toward a downward relay.

Common Misinterpretations and How to Avoid Them

Many traders misinterpret the double bottom in Williams %R due to isolated analysis. One common mistake is acting on the pattern without confirming the broader trend context. For instance, in a strong bear market, even oversold readings can persist. Another error is ignoring timeframe alignment—a double bottom on a 1-hour chart may be insignificant if the daily Williams %R remains deeply oversold without showing reversal signs. Traders should also avoid conflating the Williams %R pattern with price pattern timing; the oscillator may signal a bottom before price does, or vice versa. To mitigate these risks, always use multi-timeframe analysis and combine the indicator with trendlines, support/resistance levels, and volume data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal timeframe to detect a reliable double bottom in Williams %R?

The 4-hour and daily timeframes are most effective for identifying high-probability double bottom patterns. Shorter timeframes like 15-minute charts generate frequent but less reliable signals due to market noise. On higher timeframes, the pattern carries more weight, especially when aligned with key price levels.

Can the double bottom in Williams %R occur above the -80 level and still be valid?

Yes, in ranging or less volatile markets, the double bottom may form between -70 and -80. While traditionally -80 marks oversold territory, in certain market conditions, repeated rejections near -75 with bullish divergence can still signal a potential rebound, especially if supported by price action.

How does volatility affect the reliability of the double bottom pattern in Williams %R?

High volatility can cause the indicator to swing rapidly between extremes, increasing false signals. In such environments, traders should widen the confirmation criteria—such as requiring the rebound to surpass -40 instead of -50—and use Bollinger Bands or ATR to assess volatility levels before acting.

Should traders enter immediately when the second low forms, or wait for confirmation?

Waiting for confirmation is strongly advised. Entry should be delayed until the Williams %R rises above -50 and is supported by bullish price action. Premature entries based solely on the formation of the second low often result in losses, especially in strong downtrends where oversold conditions can persist.